Thursday 27

TODAY ONLY Don’t forget Diwali!
It would be a shame to miss out on all the beautiful festivities that are part and parcel of what is also known as The Festival of Lights. Take the children out to sample traditional Diwali dishes at India Palace Restaurant at Dubai Festival City, where you can indulge in the splendid family Diwali buffet deal. Most importantly of all, don’t forget to wish everyone a Shuhb Diwali!
Dhs80 (adults), children under 12 go free. Until midnight. Today only. India Palace Restaurant, Dubai Festival City and Garhoud (04 232 8233).

Friday 28

Splash and dash at Wild Wadi
If you visit Wild Wadi with your family, you’ll get a 20 per cent discount voucher for a brunch at Beachcombers. While the water park offer is on every day of the week, Friday is definitely the best day to make the most of it – a morning splash on the slides, before hopping in a golf buggy to Jumeirah Beach Hotel to replenish all that energy at one of Dubai’s most family-friendly dining venues.
Wild Wadi admission Dhs205 (adults), Dhs165 (kids under 1.1m tall), free for kids under two. Open daily 10am-7pm. Ongoing. Wild Wadi, Jumeirah, www.wildwadi.com (04 348 4444).

Go organic at Dubai Garden Centre’s RIPE market
This may seem more for mums than kids, but don’t be fooled… While you potter about and pick yourself a box of great-value fresh organic vegetables, the kids can explore the garden centre’s jungle-like interior. They will enjoy themselves and you’ll get to acquire some fresh, nutritious food to cook later – or to stuff in their lunchboxes. And don’t miss the great value sausage barbecue, courtesy of Prime Gourmet. Dhs80-125 for organic vegetable boxes. Fri 9.30am-1pm. Ongoing. Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 340 0006).

Saturday 29

EDITOR’S PICK LAST CHANCE! Dubai’s got talent at Bloomingdale’s
After four weeks, the hotly contested kids’ talent show at Bloomingdale’s comes to a close today. Don’t miss the chance to see the cream of Dubai’s young talent battle it out on the stage, X Factor-style, in front of the judging panel (which just happens to include Time Out Kids!). There are fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a Dhs10,000 shopping voucher to spend instore for the lucky winner. See you there!
Free. Today only. Bloomingdale’s children’s department, second floor, The Dubai Mall (04 350 5333).

Sunday 30

Fulfill their potential at LifeWorks
Run by parenting coach Carmen Benton, and aimed at parents of three- to six-year-olds, this workshop will teach you to provide the right environment for your child to reach their full potential. Topics covered include encouraging your child’s natural talents, understanding children’s learning processes, and boosting your own child’s confidence through creativity and support.
Dhs200 per parent, Dhs300 per couple. Sun 7.30pm-10pm. Today only. LifeWorks, Villa 996, Al Wasl Road, www.counsellingdubai.com (050 738 4719).

TODAY ONLY Spooky fun at Favourite Things
It’s time to get the kids dressed up in their scariest Halloween costumes, because Favourite Things at Dubai Marina Mall is holding a spooky Halloween hullabaloo. It’s for kids aged between four and eight (it’s too scary for the little ones, we’re told), and there’ll be prizes for the best costumes, plus ghoulish craft activities and a devilishly fun disco.
Members Dhs70; Non-members Dhs90 (kids aged four to eight only). Sun 4pm-6pm (first session), 5pm-7pm (second session), first hour is free play, second hour is a party. Favourite Things, Dubai Marina Mall, www.favouritethings.com (04 434 1984).

Monday 31

EDITOR’S PICK Spooktacular bash at Kidville
Feeling spooky? Take the kids to Kidville for their wildly popular annual Halloween bash, that’s promising plenty of frightfully fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are on a first come, first served basis, so you’d better hurry if you don’t want to be left in the dark…BOO!
Members Dhs70, Non-members Dhs80. October 29, 4pm-6pm, Kidville Mirdif (04 236 3648); October 30, 4pm-6pm, Kidville Motorcity (04 454 2760); October 31, 4pm-6pm, Kidville JBR (04 440 1220), www.kidville.com

EDITOR’S PICK LAST CHANCE! After school fun in Mirdif
Head to Mirdif City Centre after school’s out and take advantage of their great deals for parents and kids. Shoppers visiting the mall between 2pm and 6pm, Sundays to Wednesdays, will be treated to exclusive store offers, dining deals and special promotions at Playnation. And if you post your experience on their Facebook page, you’re in with a chance to win exciting prizes, including an iPad.
2pm-6pm. Ends today. Mirdif City Centre, www.mirdifcitycentre.com (800 6422).

Tuesday 1

EDITOR’S PICK Borrow a book at Read N Enjoy
or catch the scheduled story sessions organised by Marina Mums at the new Read N Enjoy children’s library that has just opened at JBR. Located at Rimal Plaza, the extensive collection of books in this traditional lending library set-up are perfect for taking the children along for a quiet browse. We love the fact that there is another library in town!
Membership packages vary in price. 9am-9pm, Saturday to Thursday, 3pm-9pm on Fridays. Rimal Plaza, JBR. (04 448 7046).

Wednesday 2

FREE! Check out the Covent Garden Market
Open from 5pm to midnight at JBR, this eclectic flea market is the perfect place to browse for unusual gifts and nick-nacks. Stalls sell a variety of items including jewellery, pottery, artworks and crafts. Have a potter and then grab a twilight dinner in one of the promenade cafés.
Free. 5pm-midnight. Ongoing. JBR, Dubai Marina, www.coventgardenmarket.ae.